Perris Press Release

Want to Renovate Your Home? Perris Can Help!

Rebecca Miranda and Luis Natera chat with Perris homeowner Laura Schwecke, who took advantage of the Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation Loan Program to install a new fence, patio and painting at her home. The City is looking to expand participation in the program.

The City of Perris is looking to lend money to homeowners who want to renovate their residences.

The Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation Loan Program offers up to $50,000 in loans to qualified property owners at two-percent simple interest. To qualify, homes must be owner-occupied single-family detached properties not within a special-hazard flood zone and the owners must meet HUD income guidelines.

Loans must be used to correct existing code violations or address repairs that could lead to future violations. Authorized improvements include new landscaping, fencing, painting, windows and woodwork, patios and room additions.

Laura and Mike Schwecke are among the first homeowners to take advantage of the Perris program, which is being funded through federal grants. The couple borrowed $10,500 to install a new
12-foot by 20-foot backyard patio, new fencing and exterior painting.

Austin Schwecke, 5, plays on his swing set in the backyard of his parents’ home, which received several upgrades as part of the City of Perris Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation Loan Program.

Laura Schwecke recently met with Perris staff members Rebecca Miranda and Luis Natera, who are working to increase participation in the new rehab program by getting the word out to Perris residents. The pair checked in with Schwecke to make sure all the improvements lived up the family’s expectations.

“We want to get as many folks as possible into the program,” Natera said. “We have funds available and we want to let people know that we want to expand this important program.”

Miranda said the City is committed to helping residents improve their homes.

“We want to make people feel welcome in Perris and we believe this program has the potential to improve the quality of life for a lot of families,” she said.

Laura Schwecke said the improvements make home more secure and attractive. The new patio provides shade and cools the house. The new fencing—twice as high as the one it replaced—provides more security and privacy for her 5-year-old son, Austin, to play on his swingset.

She called the new patio a “huge help” in making the home more appealing and attractive.

“It’s nice to have a nice backyard,” said Laura Schwecke, who with her family moved to Perris about two years ago. “We spend a lot of time out here. Without the improvements, it would not be that good.

Laura Schwecke said her family was approved for the loan in the summer and work on the home was completed soon afterwards. She said her family is grateful for providing an affordable way to make significant home improvements.

“It’s nice that the City of Perris offers this program,” she said. “It’s nice that they help people.”

More information about the Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation Loan Program is available by calling Miranda at 951-943-5003, ext. 496 or emailing rmiranda@cityofperris.org